Jim Crow's Pink Slip: The Untold Story of Black Principal and Teacher Leadership

by Leslie T. Fenwick

In 1954, the Supreme Court's Brown decision ended segregated schooling in the United States, but regrettably, as documented in congressional testimony and transcripts, it also ended the careers of a generation of highly qualified and credentialed Black teachers and principals. In the Deep South and northern border states over the decades following Brown, Black schools were illegally closed and Black educators were displaced en masse. As educational policy and leadership expert Leslie T. Fenwick deftly demonstrates, the effects of these changes stand contrary to the democratic ideals of an integrated society and equal educational opportunity for all students.

Jim Crow's Pink Slip provides a trenchant account of how tremendous the loss to the US educational system was and continues to be. The book draws the line from the past injustices to problems that the educational system grapples with not simply the underrepresentation of Black teachers and principals, but also salary reductions, teacher shortages, and systemic inequality.

By engaging with the complicated legacy of the Brown decision, Fenwick illuminates a crucial chapter in education history. She also offers policy prescriptions aimed at correcting the course of US education, supporting educators, and improving workforce quality and diversity.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, American History, Race

Audible Audio

Published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[Tamyka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything! Succinct excellent choices in evidence to support a strong argument of the way institutional racism affected the educational experiences of Black students and the professional careers of Black educators. The evidence is indisputable and well documented of the effort to intentionally disrupt, dismiss and disregard Black students and educators thus crippling Black education for decades. Highly recommend

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ashamed to admit I never thought about the huge decline in Black teachers and principals when desegregation occurred. This book was fantastic explaining it. And points of what a huge crisis this is.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for educators and education activists

[Reginald Allen]

This book scrutinizes and delineates the systematic purging of highly qualified Black Principals and teachers only to be replaced by lesser certified white educators, with the onset of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Kansas 1954.

The Supreme Court ruled that “racial segregation of children in public schools was deemed unconstitutional.” The nation had a choice to desegregate schools by integrating Black students, Principals & teachers, or fight desegregation of schools at every step of the way. This book explains how this nation (specifically recalcitrant southern and border states) chose to do nothing for over 20 years.

[Mr H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched an interview with the author on BlackStarNetwork. They spoke about this book and i decided to read it to learn more. O'boy!, what an informative read. The amount of wealth, prestige and positive futures stolen from Black people by racist white actions and non-racist white inaction is just infuriating.

Currently, 06JUN2025, pres trump is taking extremely similar actions against NPR and public universities.

It has me attempting to remember just how many black teachers and principles were in my life. Less than 5. I absolutely believe having black educators & counselors would have greatly improved my future

[Adam Gutschenritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discussing the effects of Brown v Board on Black Academia, specifically Black Principals and teachers. Supported by both stats and a select committee hearing before the Senate (1971) the story of the firing of Black academics in the years after Brown is shown. Furthermore, the relationship between higher degrees and experience of Black teachers and principals vs white and the number of positions held was shocking.

[Shawn E Boucke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like an extremely well-researched, well-organized academic paper expanded to book length. At times it can feel repetitive; however, that repetition reinforces the depth of historical documentation and the strength of the supporting evidence. It is an important read for anyone in the education field, as well as for those seeking a closer look at the history of Black principals and educational leadership in the aftermath of Brown v. Board of Education.

[KRM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a Fenwick Fanatic now -- great read. I especially liked the stats at the end, I was shocked by how big (and how MEASURABLE) an impact even Black principles have on students' futures. Black teachers I expected, but the role of admin is not something I've ever seen talked about in the school desegregation field. Really fantastic book.

[Collin Perryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tremendous book on racial desegregation in US public schools. Dr. Fenwick discusses the over 100k+ Black education leaders and teachers, who were far more qualified than their White peers, were fired--and what that means for our democracy. A must-read!🔥🤓❤️🙏
#JimCrowsPinkaSlip

[baz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely informative it’s almost scary how much gets left out of our history and how deep racism and hatred runs in this country.

It was a bit repetitive at parts which dragged down the book but I suppose that was intentional to really hammer the point home.

[Kahliah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

[Beachg1rl53 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read about little known historical facts that explain a lot about the failure of our public school systems.

[Heather Olson Beal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza, this book!!!!

[Steven Volk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite fascinating

[Wendy]

I haven’t actually given up. I just can’t do nonfiction right now for some reason. Will come back to it bc it’s very good.

[Darby Nicely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was a little repetitive in the beginning but overall amazing. I believe every educator should read this.